by Roseman Dental | Feb 8, 2022 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), brought to you by the American Dental Association. This month’s national health observance brings thousands of dedicated professionals, health care providers and educators together to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.
NCDHM was started in 1941 in Cleveland, OH and Akron, OH as just a day-long event. The two cities joined forces and held the first national program in 1949. By 1981, the event had become a month-long celebration. Educators and parents can find fun online resources for children, including posters, coloring sheets and crossword activities.
Children’s oral health is examined extensively in the recently published NIH report Oral Health in America. The report sheds light on how various populations in the US experience oral health differently, based on their age, economic status, and their other social determinants of health. Oral health is central to overall health, yet has not been equitably available across the country. Extraordinary advances have been made with technology and in new materials, expanding solutions to more patients. Craniofacial birth defects, in particular cleft lip and palate, occur as often as one in 700 live births and now represents the most common congenital disorder after Down syndrome. Read more about Oral Health in this groundbreaking report.
Also register for Roseman’s February 17 NHS event given by Dr. Glen Roberson, “Improving Nevada’s Dental Health Outcomes Among Children – One Smile At A Time.” Be sure to share Roseman Dental’s voucher program (February 7-March 7) offering new and existing patients in Utah the opportunity for a free exam and x-ray. We wish all children the opportunity for a healthy smile.
by Roseman Dental | Feb 8, 2022 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and Easter coming soon, it’s time to start thinking about indulgent treats and how they affect our bodies. Many people consider only calories as they think about the treats they want to eat around holiday seasons, but have you ever stopped to think about your teeth? Sugary treats can be harmful to your teeth. Here are some ways to have both a sweet and teeth-safe holiday.
Whole-Wheat Flour
One of the easiest tooth-friendly changes you can make is to substitute whole-wheat flour for standard white flour in your favorite recipes. White flour, as with all refined foods, quickly breaks down into simple sugar. This occurs while the food is still in your mouth. Bacteria in your mouth feast on this sugar, producing acid that breaks down your enamel. Whole wheat flour is harder to break down, and will not produce simple sugar as quickly as white flour will. If you find the flavor or texture of whole-wheat flour is too strong, try easing yourself into it by baking with half whole-wheat flour and half all-purpose or white flour. Then, gradually increase the amount of wheat flour. This works for any recipe that calls for flour, including rolls, cakes and holiday treats. You can also buy many bread products in whole-wheat or half-and-half varieties.
Alternatives to Refined Sugar
There are lots of baking alternatives for granulated sugar. Try substituting honey, real maple syrup, brown rice syrup or agave nectar next time you bake a delicious treat. As an added health benefit, both honey and maple syrup contain lots of antioxidants!
Another great alternative to sugar is fruit. Try adding applesauce, raisins, or pureed banana or apricots in place of some or all of the processed sugar in a recipe. Natural sugars are less harmful to your body than highly processed granulated sugar.
Non-Sugar Solutions
It’s possible to eliminate all sugar from your recipe while baking and cooking this holiday season. This could mean choosing recipes that contain no sugar, like all-fruit sorbets or tart treats with sour or bitter flavor profiles. But it could also mean substituting artificial sugar for the real tooth-harming thing. If you’ve never tried them before, you could experiment with sugar alcohols like erythritol or xylitol. Sugar alcohols are nearly calorie free, and are, in fact, good for your teeth—for that reason sugar alcohols are commonly added to some gums and toothpastes. They are not as sweet as sugar, so you may need to add a little extra, but overall they make an excellent sugar substitute. You can also try traditional artificial sweeteners, but beware of health benefits and drawbacks before you use them.
If you do consume treats from the store (often made with processed sugars), or you have some sugary treats without the healthy teeth substitutes, make sure you brush your teeth soon after to keep bacteria away.
Sometimes you want to indulge in a holiday treat, and by taking these steps you won’t have to worry about your teeth. Bake teeth-smart and enjoy your holidays.
by Roseman Dental | Dec 15, 2021 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - UT
The holiday season is here! In this winter issue of Dental 360°, find out why regular dentist visits are so important, learn about the ways getting older can affect oral health, and get the facts about how what you eat impacts your teeth. You’ll also get an in-depth look from Roseman Medical Group at why vaccines are important and safe.
Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost typically lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.
We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.
Happy holidays, and all the best for the new year! We’ll meet you there.
Dental 360° Winter Articles
A Dentist Twice A Year Keeps the Cavities Away
Oral Health and Aging
Your Diet and Your Mouth
Immunizations and Vaccines
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by Roseman Dental | Dec 14, 2021 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
Proper dental hygiene at home goes a long way toward keeping your mouth healthy. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is an important part of your oral health regimen. In addition, a regular cleaning and examination at the dentist’s office is necessary to ensure the longevity of your teeth.
Early Detection
Dentists recommend that patients come in for a professional cleaning every six months. These visits usually include X-rays to check for tooth health and cavities, and a special cleaning by the hygienist to remove plaque with a polisher and metal scaler. When the cleaning is done, the dentist looks for plaque formation and cavities, and checks for signs of inflammation or other warning of potential problems. If detected early, cavities can be drilled and filled while they are small, before they abscess. Abscessed teeth often need to be pulled, and can also lead to a root canal in adults or a pulpectomy in children. Regular visits to the dentist can save you the pain of these procedures by catching problems early.
Save Your Smile
Without regular cleanings, minor tooth problems can get out of control. Besides a root canal, poor hygiene and infrequent dental check-ups can lead to the need for more complex procedures, including extractions, bridges, crowns, veneers, implants, and dentures. Dentists are also often the first ones to notice that braces or other corrective devices are necessary. Braces and retainers not only make smiles straighter and more pleasing; they also ensure that teeth line up correctly for chewing, speaking, and swallowing, all vital functions of your mouth.
Save Money
Skipping or not scheduling dentist appointments puts your teeth at risk. While there is a cost to getting regular cleanings and check-ups, waiting until a dental emergency can cost a lot more. Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of cleanings, and patients without insurance can often work with a dentist to get an affordable price. Medical procedures such as pulling teeth, drilling cavities, crowning teeth and inserting bridges can cost hundreds or even thousands of, so it makes financial sense to get a check-up and cleaning every six months and avoid the cost (and discomfort) of repairing problems that could have been detected early.
Keeping up with your dentist doesn’t have to be a challenge. Schedule the next appointment at every visit. During a move, add “find a dentist” to the to-do list, right along with “update address.” Going to the dentist regularly is one of the simplest, and most important, ways to maintain dental health.
by Roseman Dental | Dec 14, 2021 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
Your body changes as you grow and age, and your mouth is no exception. Understanding how your mouth changes with age will help you make the right decisions to stay healthy.
Tooth Anatomy
The teeth have several parts:
- The outermost layer is the enamel. This is the part of the tooth you are accustomed to seeing, and is the strongest tissue in the body. It is hard, shiny, and white, and covers the chewing surface or crown of the tooth.
- Dentin is a brown layer below the enamel, and makes up most of the tooth. Although dentin is porous, it’s hard and solid.
- Below the dentin is the pulp of the tooth. This soft tissue houses blood vessels, nerves and other connective tissue, nourishing teeth as they grow. Once teeth are mature, the pulp provides sensory input from the tooth to the body.
- Each tooth has roots, which are anchored in bone.
- Teeth are surrounded by soft pink tissue called gums.
Your Aging Mouth: Enamel and Dentin
Once a tooth reaches maturity, it contains all the enamel it will ever have. The dentin layer, however, is constantly growing thicker. Though teeth start out completely covered in white enamel, the enamel wears away over time. At the same time, the brown dentin layer continues to thicken. The result is a darkening or discoloration of the teeth with age as the dentin layer becomes visible below the enamel. Even good oral hygiene cannot stop these changes from occurring. However, bleaching or veneers can help whiten teeth for improved appearance.
Your Aging Mouth: Pulp, Bones and Gums
As the dentin in teeth thickens, the pulp chamber inside the teeth shrinks. This leads to less sensitive teeth, which can be a problem because cavities may go undetected in older people with decreased tooth sensitivity. Gum disease can cause bones in the jaw and mouth to deteriorate. Bacteria and plaque on the teeth cause pockets to form between your teeth and gums, leading to infection. If left untreated, this infection can deteriorate the bones, causing teeth to loosen or fall out. Warning signs of gum diseases include bleeding gums or teeth that appear longer than they once did. This can be an indication that the gums are pulling away from the teeth. If you think you may have gum disease, regardless of your age, see a dentist at once.
As you age, your body matures and changes. Being aware of these changes can help you make informed decisions about your health. The providers at Roseman Dental are great resources for understanding dental health and accessing high quality, affordable dental care.
by Roseman Dental | Nov 10, 2021 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - UT
Here come the holidays! During this busy season, taking care of yourself is important. In the November issue of Dental 360°, get the facts about infant and toddler dental care, learn how to keep plaque at bay, and find out how diabetes impacts oral health. You’ll also get some strategies for handling tricky food situations, including parenting, cooking for one, and dealing with stress.
Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost typically lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.
We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.
Dental 360° November Articles
The Diabetes & Oral Health Connection
Preventing Plaque
Infant and Toddler Oral Health Basics
How to Tackle Tough Eating Triggers
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